EYE TUMOR

General Information

DEFINITION--A growth in the eye in which cell multiplication is uncontrolled and progressive. Eye tumors are of 3 types: retinoblastoma, malignant melanoma or secondary tumors that have spread from other parts of the body.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Usually one eye. Retinoblastoma invades both eyes in 25% of cases.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED

> Melanoma: Adults over 60.

> Retinoblastoma: Young children between ages 1 and 5.

> Secondary tumors: All ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--

The following are characteristic of all 3 types:

• Possibly no signs in the early stages except occasionally a whitish light reflection in pupil.
• Gradual loss of vision.
• Bulging eyes (sometimes). Retinoblastoma may have the following additional signs:
• Crossed eyes.
• A tumor that is visible through the pupil.

CAUSES

> Melanoma and secondary tumors: Unknown.

> Retinoblastoma: Inherited tendency.

RISK INCREASES WITH--Family history of retinoblastoma. The genetic trait is dominant, but it does not affect all children.

HOW TO PREVENT--Cannot be prevented at present. If the family has a history of retinoblastoma, obtain genetic counseling before having children.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Echography (See Glossary).
• Fluorescein dye tests (See Glossary) to outline blood vessels in the eye.
• X-rays of the skull.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE--

One of the following:

• Surgery to remove the tumor.
• Radiation therapy.
• Cryotherapy (See Glossary).
• Treatment with laser beams.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Spread to other parts of the body.
• Partial or complete loss of vision.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Some eye tumors are curable in 6 months with medical treatment. Other eye tumors are considered incurable. A fatal spread to other body parts usually occurs rapidly. However, medical literature cites a few instances of unexplained recovery. Scientific research into causes and treatment continues, so there is hope for increasingly effective treatment and cure.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• The more you can learn and understand about this disorder, the more you will be able to make informed decisions about where to go for your care, the treatments available, the risks involved, side effects of therapy and expected outcome.
• See Resources for Additional Information.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe:

• Pain relievers.
• Anticancer drugs.

ACTIVITY--After treatment, resume your normal activities as soon as possible.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of an eye tumor.
• Pain becomes intolerable during treatment.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop that may indicate the malignancy has spread to other body parts.